PVL: PLDT sweeps Cignal, gains momentum heading into bronze medal series

PLDT captured a win in its final semifinal game of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, beating Cignal in straight sets 25-17, 25-22, 25-23, Thursday night at the Filoil Centre in San Juan City.

Star outside hitter Savi Davison led the High Speed Hitters in scoring with 21 points on 17 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces. The 27-year-old Filipino-Canadian was also able to contribute defensively, manufacturing 11 excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, setter Kim Fajardo had a game-high 23 excellent sets along with 10 digs.

With their All-Filipino conference final round fate already determined, PLDT tactician Rald Ricaforte is proud of how his team responded after two challenging losses, while also remaining optimistic heading into their bronze medal matches.

“Start pa lang naman ng semis, alam namin 'yung at stake na sunod-sunod 'yung magiging laro, magiging mahirap talaga. Sadyang unfortunate lang na hindi namin nakuha 'yung unang goal namin, which is 'yung maipanalo kahit isa doon sa dalawa,” reflected Ricaforte regarding PLDT’s previous losses to Creamline and Farm Fresh.

“Pero kailangan mag-move on kaagad eh. Yung pagiging critical, 'yung pagiging hard sa sarili namin, hindi talaga 'yun maiiwasan, pero 'yung trabaho na kailangan gawin, kailangan mag-show up pa rin. So ito 'yung part na 'yun, hindi pa rin siya talaga tapos. Gusto pa rin naming kunin 'yung sa battle for third,” asserted the head coach.

Davison mirrored her mentor’s assertions, stating that the main goal against the Super Spikers today was to display resilience and bounce back.

“I think everyone came in today knowing that we had to bawi, I think that was the most important task today. So I'm just glad that we came and we're able to handle it.”

“Our journey isn't done pero I just wish that we were in the top two, top one seeds. But like coach said, it's not over yet and we still have a job to do…Take [it] one game at a time and finish the season off with a win like we wanted to,” added the hitter.

The High Speed Hitters will now engage in a best-of-three series against the Foxies starting April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to determine who will finish third in this year’s edition of the All-Filipino Conference.

Cignal on the other hand played its usual rotation pieces only in the first set as it aims to be recharged coming into their finals series against Creamline.

—JKC, GMA News